My journey in organic chemistry began with a dot. Yes, you read that right, A DOT.
I had enrolled in learning Drug Chemistry, and the ongoing lecture was on Introductory Organic Chemistry. The professor drew a dot on the board and asked for its meaning. We were amused. But when he drew a chain over the dot, it meant carbon connections. The end of the chain was CH3, and the middle dots were -CH2, -CH and -C-. That lecture began my love story with organic chemistry. Of course, I found some chapters hard, but I also noticed how it could activate the mind in its own cryptic way. Organic chemistry found connections in biology, physics, and mathematics but still had its unique soul. It was a transformative science, and I was intrigued.
Later, I joined research labs as a research scientist, where I got to use organic chemistry's transformative power to synthesize life-saving drugs. I knew the theory and now understood its applications. I learned how organic molecules can bind to various important receptors in the body and unleash their potential. This journey continued for several years until I bid laboratory work goodbye to resettle and reestablish elsewhere.
During the transition to a new place, I taught chemistry to undergraduates. Those children were terrified of Organic chemistry. Memorizing properties and reactions didn't help. I saw the flaw—a big chunk of preliminary information needed to be included. Before you embark on a reaction, you MUST know what happens in a reaction. One must acclimatize to the participants and their unique nature. One must be aware of the fundamentals like electronegativity, polarity, and inductive effect. Molecules talk only when you are ready to listen, and they have their own dictionary.
I decided to begin CurlyArrows in 2015 to teach students and chemistry enthusiasts a new way to learn chemistry- simplified and without fear. With CurlyArrrows, I have attempted to remove jargon, connect and advance various concepts, use simple language, and be artistic. I wrote an "Introductory Organic Chemistry Course" as a precursor to Organic Chemistry Reactions. I have made an effort to compile content that is simple and illustrative yet elaborate, covering 500+ concepts in chemistry. There are plenty of examples that reinforce each concept.
Curlyarrows.com has helped me address many learning gaps and has been received well globally. It has reached over 150 countries and has regular visitors from various world-renowned universities. I hope you find the content useful. Please subscribe to the Introductory Organic Chemistry Course to support my vision and efforts. Feel free to reach out with any questions. Take care.
Remember- The best things in science are both beautiful and simple.
Much Love,
Sibi Atul.
sibi@curlyarrows.com
